Sulfonate Composition

Abstract

The present invention is a sulfonate composition comprising, in predetermined mass ratios, (A) a compound represented by formula (1), (B) an organic solvent, (C) an inorganic metallic compound, and (D) water. (1): ROOC-(CH2)p-CH(SO3M)-CH2-(CH2)q-COOR' (In the formula, M represents a cation, R and R' each independently represent a group selected from an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms and an alkenyl group having 10 carbon atoms, and p and q each represent a number of 0-18, wherein the sum of p and q is 0-18.)

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to sulfonate compositions.

[0002] Background technology Sulfonates, such as sulfonates, are anionic surfactants and are utilized in a variety of fields, either alone or in combination with other components, as cleaning bases, emulsifiers, wetting agents, dispersants, and the like.

[0003] US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0214999 discloses a compound containing a salt of a mono- and / or dialkyl ester of a sulfonated dicarboxylic acid, wherein the dicarboxylic acid contains 4 to 8 carbon atoms and the alkyl group is derived from 2-propylheptanol, as well as a composition containing this compound and a specific organic solvent.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-224552 discloses an emulsifying dispersant comprising a combination of two or more anionic surfactants (A) selected from the group consisting of sulfate ester salts (A1), sulfonate salts (A2), ether carboxylate salts (A3), and phosphate ester salts (A4) of a specific aliphatic alcohol alkylene oxide adduct.

[0005] JP-A-9-500884 discloses a liquid composition containing a sulfosuccinic acid diester represented by a specific formula in water as a solvent or co-solvent, wherein the co-solvent is a polymer containing alkylene oxide units that is liquid at 10°C.

[0006] Summary of the Invention Sulfonates are generally produced using an aqueous reaction medium and are obtained as reaction products containing water. Considering distribution costs, it is desirable to reduce the amount of water and other components in the reaction product and increase the concentration of the sulfonate, which is the main component, to some extent before preparing secondary products.

[0007] Among sulfonates, diester-type compounds having alkyl or alkenyl groups with a certain number of carbon atoms are considered to be highly useful surfactants because they exhibit desirable foam behavior, such as the formation of fine bubbles and quick foam disappearance when used in aqueous solutions, as well as high detergency against solid grease stains. However, it has been found that compositions incorporating such sulfonates having alkyl or alkenyl groups with a certain number of carbon atoms in water can become turbid or precipitate, resulting in inhomogeneity and impaired appearance. Furthermore, when such compositions are heated or frozen and then returned to a liquid state, the deterioration in appearance is significant. This is most pronounced when the aqueous solution of the sulfonate contains supersaturated inorganic salts. In particular, when the aqueous solution of the sulfonate is subjected to temperature changes, such as returning to room temperature after storage at a high temperature or thawing after freezing at a low temperature, inorganic salts precipitate in the aqueous solution of the sulfonate, causing turbidity and precipitation.

[0008] The present invention provides a sulfonate composition containing a diester-type sulfonate having an alkyl group or alkenyl group with a predetermined number of carbon atoms, which has a uniform appearance free from turbidity or precipitation over a wide temperature range even when containing inorganic salts, and which maintains a uniform appearance even when heated or after being frozen and thawed.

[0009] The present invention provides a sulfonate composition comprising (A) a compound represented by the following formula (1) [hereinafter referred to as component (A)], (B) an organic solvent [hereinafter referred to as component (B)], (C) an inorganic metal compound [hereinafter referred to as component (C)], and (D) water [hereinafter referred to as component (D)], the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as A / (A+B+C+D)] is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, the mass ratio of the content of component (B) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as B / (A+B+C+D)] is 0.05 or more; the mass ratio of the content of component (C) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as C / (A+B+C+D)] is greater than 0; the mass ratio of the content of component (D) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as D / (A+B+C+D)] is greater than 0.10 and less than 0.60; The present invention relates to sulfonate compositions. ROOC-(CH2) p -CH(SO3M)-CH2-(CH2) q -COOR' (1) (In the formula, M is a cation, R and R' are independently a group selected from an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms and an alkenyl group having 10 carbon atoms, p and q are each a number of 0 to 18, and the sum of p and q is a number of 0 to 18.)

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a sulfonate composition containing a diester-type sulfonate salt having an alkyl or alkenyl group with a predetermined number of carbon atoms, which has a uniform appearance without turbidity or precipitation even when containing inorganic salts, and which maintains a uniform appearance even when frozen and thawed. For example, the sulfonate composition of the present invention does not develop turbidity or precipitation at typical working or distribution temperatures (e.g., 25°C to 40°C). Furthermore, the composition does not develop turbidity or precipitation when left outdoors at high temperatures in summer or when frozen in winter and then restored to a liquid state by heating or other means. Hereinafter, the degree of appearance of a sulfonate composition when thawed after freezing is also referred to as freeze recovery.

[0011] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the present invention, a sulfonate composition with excellent uniformity (meaning uniformity over a wide temperature range; the same applies hereinafter) and freeze recovery properties can be obtained by combining components (A) to (D) and adjusting the mass ratios A / (A+B+C+D), B / (A+B+C+D), C / (A+B+C+D), and D / (A+B+C+D) within predetermined ranges. This effect can also be achieved in compositions containing a high concentration of component (A). In the present invention, it is believed that the mass ratios within the predetermined ranges suppress the precipitation of components that contribute to uniformity and freeze recovery properties, such as inorganic metal compounds. Component (A) is generally produced via a process of sulfonating a diester of an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid. The sulfonating agent or compounds derived therefrom may precipitate in the reaction product if a large amount remains. However, the composition of the present invention is believed to suppress the precipitation of the sulfonating agent or compounds derived therefrom as the inorganic metal compound, thereby achieving a composition with excellent uniformity and freeze recovery properties. Therefore, for example, after producing the component (A), the burden of removing the sulfonating agent and its neutralized product can be reduced.

[0012] Component (A) is a compound represented by the following formula (1): Component (A) can be produced and obtained, for example, as a sulfonated product of a diester of maleic acid or fumaric acid and a salt thereof. ROOC-(CH2) p -CH(SO3M)-CH2-(CH2) q -COOR' (1) (In the formula, M is a cation, R and R' are independently a group selected from an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms and an alkenyl group having 10 carbon atoms, p and q are each a number of 0 to 18, and the sum of p and q is a number of 0 to 18.)

[0013] In formula (1), M is a cation, and specific examples thereof include alkali metal ions such as sodium ion and potassium ion, and ammonium ion.

[0014] In formula (1), R and R' are independently selected from a C10 alkyl group and a C10 alkenyl group. From the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, R and R' are preferably independently selected from a C10 branched-chain alkyl group and a C10 branched-chain alkenyl group, and more preferably a C10 branched-chain alkyl group. Examples of C10 alkyl groups include n-decyl, iso-decyl, 2-propylheptyl, 4-methyl-2-propylhexyl, and 5-methyl-2-propylhexyl. From the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, examples of C10 alkenyl groups include n-decenyl and iso-decenyl. From the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, R and R' are more preferably independently selected from a 2-propylheptyl, 4-methyl-2-propylhexyl, and 5-methyl-2-propylhexyl group.

[0015] In formula (1), p and q are each a number from 0 to 18, and the sum of p and q is from 0 to 18. From the viewpoint of availability, the sum of p and q is preferably 12 or less, more preferably 6 or less, even more preferably 2 or less, and still more preferably 1 or less. p and q may each be 0. A compound in which p and q are each 0 is a sulfosuccinate salt. Therefore, component (A) may be a sulfosuccinate salt.

[0016] In the present invention, one or more types of component (A) can be used. From the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, the sulfonate composition of the present invention preferably contains, as component (A), a compound in which one or both of R and R' are 2-propylheptyl groups.

[0017] The content of component (A) in the sulfonate composition of the present invention is preferably 30% by mass or more, more preferably 40% by mass or more, even more preferably 50% by mass or more, and even more preferably 60% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of distribution costs, and is preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 68% by mass or less, and even more preferably 66% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery.

[0018] Component (B) is an organic solvent. Component (B) may be at least one selected from monohydric alcohols and polyhydric alcohols. Component (B) may be a monohydric alcohol or a polyhydric alcohol. Considering the use of the sulfonate composition of the present invention, for example, as a raw material for manufacturing household products, component (B) is preferably one with little odor and is preferably a compound approved as a food additive or a raw material for cosmetics.

[0019] The monohydric alcohol may have 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the monohydric alcohol include methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 1-heptanol, 1-octanol, 1-nonanol, 2-nonanol, 5-nonanol, 1-decanol, 1-dodecanol, 3,5,5-trimethylhexan-1-ol, 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanol, 2-propylheptanol, 4-methyl-2-propylhexanol, and 5-methyl-2-propylhexanol. From the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, the monohydric alcohol is preferably a compound selected from ethanol, 1-butanol, and 1-propanol, and more preferably ethanol.

[0020] The polyhydric alcohol may have 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The polyhydric alcohol may be dihydric or more and hexahydric or less. Examples of the polyhydric alcohol include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,10-decanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerin, xylitol, and sorbitol. From the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, the polyhydric alcohol is preferably a compound selected from propylene glycol and glycerin, and more preferably propylene glycol.

[0021] From the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, component (B) is preferably a compound selected from ethanol, 1-butanol, 1-propanol, glycerin, and propylene glycol, and more preferably a compound selected from ethanol and propylene glycol.

[0022] The content of component (B) in the sulfonate composition of the present invention is preferably 5% by mass or more from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, and preferably 90% by mass or less from the viewpoint of versatility, and furthermore from the viewpoint of the purity of component (A), more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 40% by mass or less, still more preferably 35% by mass or less, still more preferably 25% by mass or less, and still more preferably 20% by mass or less.

[0023] When component (B) is a monohydric alcohol, the content of component (B) in the sulfonate composition of the present invention is preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery.

[0024] When the component (B) is ethanol, the content of the component (B) in the sulfonate composition of the present invention is preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery.

[0025] When component (B) is a polyhydric alcohol, the content of component (B) in the sulfonate composition of the present invention is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 90% by mass or less, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, and furthermore, from the viewpoint of the purity of component (A), is more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 40% by mass or less, still more preferably 35% by mass or less, still more preferably 25% by mass or less, and still more preferably 20% by mass.

[0026] When the component (B) is propylene glycol, the content of the component (B) in the sulfonate composition of the present invention is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, and preferably 90% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of versatility. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the purity of the component (A), the content is more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 40% by mass or less, still more preferably 35% by mass or less, still more preferably 25% by mass or less, and still more preferably 20% by mass or less.

[0027] Component (C) is an inorganic metal compound. Component (C) can be at least one inorganic metal compound selected from metal sulfates, metal carbonates, metal bicarbonates, and metal hydroxides. More specific examples of component (C) include alkali metal sulfates such as sodium sulfate, alkali metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate, alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, and alkaline earth metal hydroxides such as calcium hydroxide. Component (C) can be a halogen-free inorganic metal compound.

[0028] Component (C) may be a compound produced by oxidizing or neutralizing the sulfonating agent used in the production process of component (A). The sulfonating agent used in the production process of component (A) is, for example, an inorganic sulfate selected from sulfites, bisulfites, and disulfites. From the viewpoint of obtaining component (A) with few impurities, the sulfonating agent is preferably an inorganic sulfate selected from bisulfites and disulfites, more preferably an inorganic sulfate selected from disulfites. Examples of component (C) include the inorganic sulfates, hydrolysates of the inorganic sulfates, neutralized products of the inorganic sulfates, neutralized products of the hydrolysates of the inorganic sulfates, oxides of the inorganic sulfates, oxides of the hydrolysates of the inorganic sulfates, and oxides of the neutralized products of the inorganic sulfates.

[0029] The component (C) may be one or more selected from the following (C1) to (C4). (C1) At least one compound selected from MHSO3, M2SO3, and M2S2O5 (wherein M represents a cation of a metal element) (C2) A hydrolysate of the compound (C1) (C3) At least one neutralized product selected from the group consisting of a neutralized product of the compound (C1) and a neutralized product of the hydrolyzate of the compound (C2). (C4) At least one oxide selected from the oxide of the compound (C1), the oxide of the hydrolyzate of (C2), and the oxide of the neutralization product of (C3).

[0030] In the formula (C1), M may be an alkali metal ion or an alkaline earth metal ion, and from the viewpoint of versatility, an alkali metal ion is preferred. Among (C1), examples of MHSO3 include potassium hydrogen sulfite and sodium hydrogen sulfite. Among (C1), examples of M2SO3 include potassium sulfite and sodium sulfite. Among (C1), examples of M2S2O5 include potassium disulfite and sodium disulfite.

[0031] Examples of the hydrolysate of (C2) include potassium hydrogen sulfite and sodium hydrogen sulfite when the compound of (C1) is M2S2O5.

[0032] The neutralized product (C3) may be a compound obtained by neutralizing a compound selected from the compound (C1) and its hydrolyzate with a neutralizing agent. Examples of the neutralizing agent include, but are not limited to, alkali metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate, and alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. From the viewpoints of appearance uniformity and freeze recovery, a neutralizing agent selected from sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium hydroxide is preferred. The neutralizing agent may be used in the form of a powder or an aqueous solution.

[0033] Examples of the oxide (C4) include compounds obtained by oxidizing a compound selected from the group consisting of the compound (C1), the hydrolyzate (C2), and the neutralized product (C3) with an oxidizing agent. Examples of the oxidizing agent include, but are not limited to, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal peroxides, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hypochlorites, potassium permanganate, and hydrogen peroxide. From the viewpoints of appearance uniformity and freeze recovery, hydrogen peroxide is preferred.

[0034] The sulfonate composition of the present invention may contain, as component (C), (C1) at least one compound selected from MHSO3, M2SO3, and M2S2O5 (wherein M represents a cation).

[0035] The content of component (C) in the sulfonate composition of the present invention is more than 0% by mass, preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoints of ease of production of the composition of the present invention, uniformity of appearance, and freeze recovery, and is preferably 1.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.9% by mass or less, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery.

[0036] When the (B) component is a monohydric alcohol, such as ethanol, it is preferable to adjust the content of the (B) component according to the content of the (C) component in the composition from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery. That is, in the sulfonate composition of the present invention, when the (B) component is a monohydric alcohol, such as ethanol, and the content of the (C) component is less than 0.1% by mass, the content of the (B) component is preferably 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, and from the viewpoint of the purity of the (A) component, more preferably 5% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, even more preferably 5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. When the (B) component is a monohydric alcohol, such as ethanol, and the content of the (C) component is 0.1% by mass or more, the content of the (B) component is preferably 5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, even more preferably 5% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less.

[0037] When component (B) is a polyhydric alcohol such as propylene glycol, it is also preferable to adjust the content of component (B) according to the content of component (C) from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery. That is, in the sulfonate composition of the present invention, when component (B) is a polyhydric alcohol such as propylene glycol and the content of component (C) is less than 0.1% by mass, the content of component (B) is preferably 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, and from the viewpoint of the purity of component (A), the content is more preferably 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less. When component (B) is a polyhydric alcohol such as propylene glycol and the content of component (C) is 0.1% by mass or more, the content of component (B) is preferably 10% by mass or more and 33% by mass or less, and from the viewpoint of the purity of component (A), the content of component (B) is preferably 10% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less.

[0038] Component (D) is water. Water that is free of impurities and has been moderately purified is preferably used. Well water or industrial water can also be used. From the viewpoint of the appearance of the sulfonate composition of the present invention, it is preferable to use water with low impurity and hardness components. From the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, tap water, purified water, for example, ion-exchanged water, is preferred. From the viewpoints of appearance uniformity and freeze recovery, the content of component (D) in the sulfonate composition of the present invention is preferably 4% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 13% by mass or more, even more preferably 14% by mass or more, even more preferably 15% by mass or more, even more preferably 18% by mass or more, even more preferably 20% by mass or more, and preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less. The content of component (D) may be the remainder of the total content of components (A), (B), and (C). Furthermore, the content of component (D) may be the remainder of the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and optional components.

[0039] In the sulfonate composition of the present invention, A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or greater and 0.71 or less. In one aspect, in the sulfonate composition of the present invention, A / (A+B+C+D) may be 0.3 or greater, even 0.4 or greater, or even 0.5 or greater. Furthermore, the sulfonate composition of the present invention has a B / (A+B+C+D) ratio of 0.05 or more. Additionally, the sulfonate compositions of the present invention have a C / (A+B+C+D) ratio greater than 0. In another aspect, the sulfonate compositions of the present invention may have a C / (A+B+C+D) ratio less than 0.018, or even less than 0.016. In addition, the sulfonate composition of the present invention has a D / (A+B+C+D) ratio of greater than 0.10 and less than 0.60. In another aspect, the sulfonate composition of the present invention may have a D / (A+B+C+D) ratio of 0.13 or greater.

[0040] In the sulfonate composition of the present invention, from the viewpoint of precipitation of inorganic metal compounds, the mass ratio C / A of the content of the component (C) to the content of the component (A) may be 0.020 or less, and further 0.017 or less.

[0041] When component (B) of the sulfonate composition of the present invention is a monohydric alcohol, such as ethanol, it is preferable that the following condition (Ia) or (Ib) be satisfied from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery. <Condition (Ia)> (B) component is a monohydric alcohol, A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.05, C / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0 and less than 0.001, and D / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.10 and equal to or less than 0.50. <Condition (Ib)> (B) component is a monohydric alcohol, A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more, C / (A+B+C+D) is 0.001 or more, and D / (A+B+C+D) is 0.15 or greater and less than 0.60.

[0042] In condition (Ia), the A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more, preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, and even more preferably 0.5 or more, and 0.71 or less, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery. In the condition (Ia), the B / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0.05, more preferably 0.10 or more, from the viewpoint of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, and is preferably 0.30 or less, more preferably 0.25 or less, and even more preferably 0.20 or less, from the viewpoint of increasing the content of component (A). In the condition (Ia), the C / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0 and less than 0.001, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery. In the condition (Ia), the D / (A+B+C+D) is more than 0.10, and is preferably 0.50 or less, more preferably 0.30 or less, and even more preferably 0.24 or less, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery.

[0043] Condition (Ia) may further include the condition that the mass ratio of the total content of components (A) and (B) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as (A+B) / (A+B+C+D)] is greater than 0.10 and less than 0.90. From the viewpoint of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, the (A+B) / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0.10, and from the viewpoint of improving the content of component (A), it is more preferably 0.50 or more, even more preferably 0.71 or more, and is preferably less than 0.90, more preferably 0.86 or less.

[0044] Condition (Ia) includes any combination of one end and the other end of the numerical ranges indicated by the above A / (A+B+C+D), B / (A+B+C+D), C / (A+B+C+D), D / (A+B+C+D), and (A+B) / (A+B+C+D).

[0045] Under condition (Ib), the A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more, preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, and even more preferably 0.5 or more, and 0.71 or less, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery. In the condition (Ib), the B / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and preferably 0.15 or less from the viewpoint of improving the uniformity of appearance, the freeze recovery property, and the content of the (A) component. In the condition (Ib), the C / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.001 or more from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery. Under condition (Ib), the D / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.15 or more, more preferably 0.20 or more, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, and is less than 0.60, preferably less than 0.35, more preferably 0.30 or less, from the viewpoints of improving uniformity of appearance, freeze recovery, and the content of component (A).

[0046] Condition (Ib) may further include a condition that (A+B) / (A+B+C+D) is equal to or greater than 0.10 and equal to or less than 0.80.

[0047] Condition (Ib) includes any combination of one end and the other end of the numerical ranges indicated by the above A / (A+B+C+D), B / (A+B+C+D), C / (A+B+C+D), D / (A+B+C+D), and (A+B) / (A+B+C+D).

[0048] Furthermore, when component (B) of the sulfonate composition of the present invention is a polyhydric alcohol, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as propylene glycol, it is preferable that the sulfonate composition of the present invention satisfy the following condition (IIa) or (IIb) from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery. <Condition (IIa)> (B) component is a polyhydric alcohol, A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.05 and equal to or less than 0.90, C / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0 and less than 0.001, and D / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.10 and less than 0.50. <Condition (IIb)> (B) component is a polyhydric alcohol, A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.05 and less than 0.40, C / (A+B+C+D) is 0.001 or more, and D / (A+B+C+D) is 0.13 or greater and less than 0.50.

[0049] In the condition (IIa), the A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more, preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, and even more preferably 0.5 or more, and 0.71 or less, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery. In the condition (IIa), from the viewpoint of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, the B / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0.05, more preferably 0.10 or more, and preferably 0.90 or less; from the viewpoint of increasing the content of component (A), the B / (A+B+C+D) is more preferably 0.50 or less, even more preferably 0.35 or less, and even more preferably 0.20 or less. In the condition (IIa), the C / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0 and less than 0.001, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery. In the condition (IIa), the D / (A+B+C+D) is more than 0.10, preferably 0.14 or more, and preferably less than 0.50, from the viewpoint of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, and is more preferably less than 0.40, even more preferably less than 0.30, and even more preferably 0.25 or less, from the viewpoint of increasing the content of component (A).

[0050] Condition (IIa) may further include the condition that (A+B) / (A+B+C+D) is 0.40 or more and 0.95 or less. In the condition (IIa), the (A+B) / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.40 or more, more preferably 0.50 or more, and preferably 0.95 or less, from the viewpoint of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, and more preferably 0.90 or less, from the viewpoint of increasing the content of component (A).

[0051] Condition (IIa) may further include the condition that the mass ratio of the content of component (D) to the total content of components (A) and (D) [hereinafter referred to as D / (A+D)] is 0.17 to 0.90, 0.17 to 0.65, 0.17 to 0.55, 0.17 to 0.45, or 0.17 to less than 0.30. D / (A+D) is preferably 0.27 or less.

[0052] Condition (IIa) includes any combination of one end and the other end of the numerical ranges shown by A / (A+B+C+D), B / (A+B+C+D), C / (A+B+C+D), D / (A+B+C+D), (A+B) / (A+B+C+D), and D / (A+D).

[0053] In condition (IIb), from the viewpoint of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, the A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more, preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, and even more preferably 0.5 or more, and 0.71 or less. In condition (IIb), from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, the B / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0.05, more preferably 0.10 or more, and preferably less than 0.40, more preferably 0.25 or less, and even more preferably less than 0.16. In the condition (IIb), the C / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.001 or more. Under condition (IIb), from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, the D / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.13 or more, more preferably more than 0.15, and even more preferably 0.18 or more, and from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance, freeze recovery, and improving the content of component (A), the D / (A+B+C+D) is preferably less than 0.50, more preferably less than 0.40, even more preferably less than 0.30, and even more preferably 0.25 or less.

[0054] Condition (IIb) may further include the condition that (A+B) / (A+B+C+D) is 0.40 or more and 0.95 or less. In the condition (IIb), the (A+B) / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.40 or more, more preferably 0.50 or more, and may be preferably 0.95 or less, or 0.90 or less, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery.

[0055] Condition (IIb) may further include the condition that the mass ratio of the content of component (D) to the total content of components (A) and (D) [hereinafter referred to as D / (A+D)] is 0.15 to 0.50, 0.15 to 0.45, 0.15 to 0.40, 0.15 to 0.30, or 0.15 to 0.25. D / (A+D) is preferably 0.30 or less.

[0056] Condition (IIb) includes any combination of one end and the other end of the numerical ranges shown by A / (A+B+C+D), B / (A+B+C+D), C / (A+B+C+D), D / (A+B+C+D), (A+B) / (A+B+C+D), and D / (A+D).

[0057] Moreover, the conditions (Ia) to (IIb) can be combined with the above-mentioned contents and other mass ratios and contents described below.

[0058] In the sulfonate composition of the present invention, the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 95% by mass or more, and even more preferably 97% by mass or more, and is preferably 100% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of distribution costs.

[0059] The sulfonate composition of the present invention may contain (Y) a compound represented by the following formula (2) [hereinafter referred to as component (Y)]. Component (Y) can be produced and obtained, for example, as a diester of maleic acid or fumaric acid. ROOC-(CH2) n -CH=CH-(CH2) m -COOR' (2) (In the formula, R and R' are independently a group selected from an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms and an alkenyl group having 10 carbon atoms. m and n are each a number of 0 to 18, and the sum of m and n is a number of 0 to 18.)

[0060] In formula (2), R and R' are independently a group selected from an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms and an alkenyl group having 10 carbon atoms. R and R' are independently preferably a group selected from a branched-chain alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms and a branched-chain alkenyl group having 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably a branched-chain alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups having 10 carbon atoms include n-decyl, iso-decyl, 2-propylheptyl, 4-methyl-2-propylhexyl, and 5-methyl-2-propylhexyl. Examples of alkenyl groups having 10 carbon atoms include n-decenyl and iso-decenyl. It is more preferable that R and R' are independently a group selected from a 2-propylheptyl, 4-methyl-2-propylhexyl, and 5-methyl-2-propylhexyl group.

[0061] In formula (2), m and n are each a number from 0 to 18, and the sum of m and n is from 0 to 18. m and n may each be 0. A compound in which m and n are each 0 is a diester of maleic acid or fumaric acid. The component (Y) may be, for example, a diester of maleic acid.

[0062] In the present invention, one or more types of component (Y) can be used. From the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, the sulfonate composition of the present invention preferably contains, as component (Y), a compound in which one or both of R and R' are 2-propylheptyl groups.

[0063] When the sulfonate composition of the present invention contains the component (Y), the content of the component (Y) in the composition is preferably 4% by mass or less, more preferably 3% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.5% by mass or less, and is more than 0% by mass, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance, freeze recovery, and distribution costs.

[0064] In the sulfonate composition of the present invention, the mass ratio of the content of component (Y) to the content of component (A) is preferably 0.065 or less, more preferably 0.050 or less, even more preferably 0.045 or less, still more preferably 0.040 or less, and even more preferably 0.035 or less, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance, freeze recovery, and distribution costs, and the lower limit is preferably greater than 0, more preferably 0.0010 or more, and even more preferably 0.010 or more, from the viewpoint of availability. This mass ratio is the mass ratio of the content of component (Y) to the content of component (A), and may be expressed as Y / A.

[0065] In the sulfonate composition of the present invention, the mass ratio of the content of component (Y) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is preferably 0.045 or less, more preferably 0.040 or less, even more preferably 0.035 or less, still more preferably 0.030 or less, and even more preferably 0.020 or less, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance, freeze recovery, and distribution costs; and is preferably greater than 0, more preferably 0.0007 or more, and even more preferably 0.0070 or more, from the viewpoint of availability. This mass ratio is the mass ratio of [content of component (Y)] / [total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D)], and may be expressed as Y / (A+B+C+D).

[0066] In the sulfonate composition of the present invention, the mass ratio of the total content of components (A) and (Y) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is preferably 0.05 or more from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, preferably greater than 0.60 from the viewpoint of improving the content of component (A), and preferably less than 0.75, more preferably 0.73 or less from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery. This mass ratio is the mass ratio of [total content of components (A) and (Y)] / [total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D)], and may be expressed as (A+Y) / (A+B+C+D).

[0067] The total content of the (A) component and the (Y) component in the sulfonate composition of the present invention may be, for example, 30% by mass or more, further 40% by mass or more, further 50% by mass or more, or even 60% by mass or more from the viewpoint of distribution costs; and may be, for example, 74% by mass or less, further 73% by mass or less, further 72.5% by mass or less, further 72% by mass or less, further 71% by mass or less, further 70.5% by mass or less, further 70% by mass or less, further 69% by mass or less, further 68.5% by mass or less, further 68% by mass or less, or further 66% by mass or less from the viewpoint of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery.

[0068] Furthermore, when the sulfonate composition of the present invention contains component (Y) and component (B) is a monohydric alcohol, such as ethanol, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, the total content of components (A) and (Y) in the composition is preferably 30% by mass or more but less than 75% by mass, and the content of component (Y) is preferably 4.0% by mass or less. The content of component (D) is preferably selected from the above range. In this case, too, the content of component (D) in the composition may be the remainder of the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (Y). Furthermore, the content of component (D) may be the remainder of the total content of components (A), (B), (C), (Y), and other optional components.

[0069] Furthermore, when the sulfonate composition of the present invention contains component (Y) and component (B) is a polyhydric alcohol, such as propylene glycol, from the viewpoints of uniformity of appearance and freeze recovery, the total content of components (A) and (Y) in the composition is preferably 30% by mass or more but less than 75% by mass, and the content of component (Y) is preferably 4% by mass or less. The content of component (D) is preferably selected from the above range. In this case, too, the content of component (D) in the composition may be the remainder of the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (Y). Furthermore, the content of component (D) may be the remainder of the total content of components (A), (B), (C), (Y), and other optional components.

[0070] The sulfonate composition of the present invention may contain any component other than component (Y), such as a monoester of maleic acid or fumaric acid, 2-propylheptanol, 4-methyl-2-propylhexanol, 5-methyl-2-propylhexanol, a sulfosuccinic acid monoester salt, or a salt of maleic acid or fumaric acid, as well as additives and adjusters such as a pH buffer and a preservative.

[0071] In the sulfonate composition of the present invention, the proportions of the components (A), (B), and (C) among the components other than the component (D) are preferably 95% by mass or more and preferably 100% by mass or less, and may even be 100% by mass, from the viewpoint of uniformity in appearance. Furthermore, when the sulfonate composition of the present invention contains component (Y), the proportions of components (A), (B), (C), and (Y) among the components other than component (D) are preferably 95% by mass or more and preferably 100% by mass or less, and may even be 100% by mass, from the viewpoint of uniformity in appearance.

[0072] The sulfonate composition of the present invention can be used as a raw material for products such as detergents, solubilizers, processing agents, modifiers, wetting agents, penetrants, agricultural chemicals, paints, cosmetics, and emulsifiers.

[0073] The present invention provides a method for producing a mixture containing components (A), (B), (C), and (D), by sulfonating a diester compound represented by the following formula (1a) with an inorganic sulfate in the presence of components (B) and (D): The composition of the mixture is the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as A / (A+B+C+D)] is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, the mass ratio of the content of component (B) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as B / (A+B+C+D)] is 0.05 or more; the mass ratio of the content of component (C) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as C / (A+B+C+D)] is greater than 0; the mass ratio of the content of component (D) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as D / (A+B+C+D)] is greater than 0.10 and less than 0.60; Adjust it so that A method for producing a sulfonate composition (hereinafter also referred to as the production method of the present invention) is provided. ROOC-(CH2) p -CH=CH-(CH2) q -COOR' (1a) (In the formula, R and R' are independently a group selected from an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms and an alkenyl group having 10 carbon atoms. p and q are each a number of 0 to 18, and the sum of p and q is a number of 0 to 18.) The matters described for the sulfonate composition of the present invention can be applied as appropriate to the production method of the present invention. The preferred examples of components (A) to (D) and the application of conditions (I) to (II) in the production method of the present invention may also be the same as those for the sulfonate composition of the present invention. The sulfonate composition of the present invention may be one produced by the production method of the present invention.

[0074] The following are examples of aspects of the present invention. The details of each aspect can be applied to the other aspects as appropriate.

[0075] <1> A sulfonate composition comprising: (A) a compound represented by the following formula (1) [hereinafter referred to as component (A)], (B) an organic solvent [hereinafter referred to as component (B)], (C) an inorganic metal compound [hereinafter referred to as component (C)], and (D) water [hereinafter referred to as component (D)], the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as A / (A+B+C+D)] is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, the mass ratio of the content of component (B) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as B / (A+B+C+D)] is 0.05 or more; the mass ratio of the content of component (C) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as C / (A+B+C+D)] is greater than 0; the mass ratio of the content of component (D) to the total content of components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as D / (A+B+C+D)] is greater than 0.10 and less than 0.60; Sulfonate compositions. ROOC-(CH2) p -CH(SO3M)-CH2-(CH2) q -COOR' (1) (In the formula, M is a cation, R and R' are independently a group selected from an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms and an alkenyl group having 10 carbon atoms, p and q are each a number of 0 to 18, and the sum of p and q is a number of 0 to 18.)

[0076] <2> In formula (1), M is a cation selected from sodium ion, potassium ion, and ammonium ion. <1> The sulfonate composition according to claim 1.

[0077] <3> In formula (1), R and R' are independently a branched chain alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, a branched chain alkenyl group having 10 carbon atoms, or a branched chain alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms. <1> or <2> The sulfonate composition according to claim 1.

[0078] <4> In formula (1), R and R' are independently selected from an n-decyl group, an iso-decyl group, a 2-propylheptyl group, a 4-methyl 2-propylhexyl group, a 5-methyl 2-propylhexyl group, an n-decenyl group, and an iso-decenyl group, and further selected from a 2-propylheptyl group, a 4-methyl 2-propylhexyl group, and a 5-methyl 2-propylhexyl group; <1> ~ <3> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0079] <5> In formula (1), the sum of p and q is 0 or more and 18 or less, preferably 12 or less, more preferably 6 or less, even more preferably 2 or less, and still more preferably 1 or less, or is 0. <1> ~ <4> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0080] <6> In formula (1), p and q are each 0. <1> ~ <5> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0081] <7> Contains, as component (A), a compound in which one or both of R and R' in formula (1) are 2-propylheptyl groups; <1> ~ <6> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0082] <8> The content of component (A) in the sulfonate composition is preferably 30% by mass or more, more preferably 40% by mass or more, even more preferably 50% by mass or more, and still more preferably 60% by mass or more, and is preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 68% by mass or less, and even more preferably 66% by mass or less. <1> ~ <7> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0083] <9> The component (B) is at least one selected from a monohydric alcohol and a polyhydric alcohol, and is preferably a monohydric alcohol or a polyhydric alcohol. <1> ~ <8> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0084] <10> The monohydric alcohol is a monohydric alcohol having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, further selected from methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 1-heptanol, 1-octanol, 1-nonanol, 2-nonanol, 5-nonanol, 1-decanol, 1-dodecanol, 3,5,5-trimethylhexan-1-ol, 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanol, 2-propylheptanol, 4-methyl 2-propyl hexanol, and 5-methyl 2-propyl hexanol, further selected from ethanol, 1-butanol, and 1-propanol, and further selected from ethanol; <9> The sulfonate composition according to claim 1.

[0085] <11> The polyhydric alcohol is a polyhydric alcohol having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. <9> or <10> The sulfonate composition according to claim 1.

[0086] <12> The polyhydric alcohol is a dihydric or more and hexahydric or less polyhydric alcohol. <9> ~ <11> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0087] <13> the polyhydric alcohol is a polyhydric alcohol selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,10-decanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerin, xylitol, and sorbitol, further selected from propylene glycol and glycerin, and further selected from propylene glycol; <9> ~ <12> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0088] <14> The component (B) is a compound selected from ethanol, 1-butanol, 1-propanol, glycerin, and propylene glycol, and is further a compound selected from ethanol and propylene glycol. <1> ~ <13> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0089] <15> The content of component (B) in the sulfonate composition is preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 90% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 40% by mass or less, still more preferably 35% by mass or less, still more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less. <1> ~ <14> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0090] <16> The component (B) is a monohydric alcohol, and preferably ethanol, and the content of the component (B) in the sulfonate composition is preferably 5% by mass or more and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less. <1> ~ <15> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0091] <17> The component (B) is a polyhydric alcohol and further propylene glycol, and the content of the component (B) in the sulfonate composition is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 90% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 40% by mass or less, still more preferably 35% by mass or less, still more preferably 25% by mass or less, and still more preferably 20% by mass. <1> ~ <15> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0092] <18> The component (C) is at least one inorganic metal compound selected from metal sulfates, metal carbonates, metal bicarbonates, and metal hydroxides, and is further at least one selected from alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates, alkali metal hydroxides, and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and is further at least one selected from sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide, and is further sodium sulfate. <1> ~ <17> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0093] <19> Component (C) is an inorganic metal compound that does not contain halogen. <1> ~ <18> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0094] <20> The component (C) is one or more selected from the following (C1) to (C4): <1> ~ <19> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9. (C1) At least one compound selected from MHSO3, M2SO3, and M2S2O5 (wherein M represents a cation of a metal element) (C2) A hydrolysate of the compound (C1) (C3) At least one neutralized product selected from the group consisting of a neutralized product of the compound (C1) and a neutralized product of the hydrolyzate of the compound (C2). (C4) At least one oxide selected from the oxide of the compound (C1), the oxide of the hydrolyzate of (C2), and the oxide of the neutralization product of (C3).

[0095] <21> The content of component (C) in the sulfonate composition is more than 0% by mass, preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 1.0% by mass or less, more preferably 0.9% by mass or less. <1> ~ <20> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0096] <22> The component (B) is a monohydric alcohol, and furthermore, ethanol, and the content of the component (C) in the composition is less than 0.1% by mass. The content of the component (B) is preferably 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, and from the viewpoint of the purity of the component (A), more preferably 5% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. <1> ~ <21> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0097] <23> The component (B) is a monohydric alcohol, and further ethanol, the content of the component (C) in the composition is 0.1% by mass or more, and the content of the component (B) is preferably 5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, <1> ~ <21> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0098] <24> The (B) component is a polyhydric alcohol and further propylene glycol, the content of the (C) component is less than 0.1% by mass, and the content of the (B) component is preferably 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, still more preferably 10% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less, and still more preferably 10% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, <1> ~ <21> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0099] <25> The (B) component is a polyhydric alcohol and further propylene glycol, the content of the (C) component is 0.1% by mass or more, and the content of the (B) component is preferably 10% by mass or more and 33% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, and still more preferably 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, <1> ~ <21> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0100] <26> The content of component (D) in the sulfonate composition is preferably 4% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, still more preferably 13% by mass or more, still more preferably 14% by mass or more, still more preferably 15% by mass or more, still more preferably 18% by mass or more, still more preferably 20% by mass or more, and preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less. <1> ~ <25> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0101] <27> the mass ratio C / A of the content of the component (C) to the content of the component (A) is 0.020 or less, and further 0.017 or less; <1> ~ <26> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0102] <28> The component (B) is a monohydric alcohol and satisfies the following condition (Ia) or (Ib): <1> ~ <27> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9. <Condition (Ia)> (B) component is a monohydric alcohol, A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.05, C / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0 and less than 0.001, and D / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.10 and equal to or less than 0.50. <Condition (Ib)> (B) component is a monohydric alcohol, A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more, C / (A+B+C+D) is 0.001 or more, and D / (A+B+C+D) is 0.15 or greater and less than 0.60.

[0103] <29> Under the condition (Ia), the B / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0.05, more preferably 0.10 or more, and preferably 0.30 or less, more preferably 0.25 or less, and even more preferably 0.20 or less. <28> The sulfonate composition according to claim 1.

[0104] <30> In the condition (Ia), the C / (A+B+C+D) is less than 0.001. <28> or <29> The sulfonate composition according to claim 1.

[0105] <31> Under the condition (Ia), the D / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0.10 and is preferably 0.50 or less, more preferably 0.30 or less, and even more preferably 0.24 or less. <28> ~ <30> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0106] <32> In condition (Ia), the A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more, preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, even more preferably 0.5 or more, and 0.71 or less; the B / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0.05, more preferably 0.10 or more, and preferably 0.30 or less, more preferably 0.25 or less, and even more preferably 0.20 or less; The C / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0 and less than 0.001; and the D / (A+B+C+D) is more than 0.10 and is preferably 0.50 or less, more preferably 0.30 or less, and even more preferably 0.24 or less; <28> ~ <31> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0107] <33> The condition (Ia) further includes the condition that the mass ratio of the total content of the components (A) and (B) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is preferably more than 0.10, more preferably 0.50 or more, even more preferably 0.71 or more, and is less than 0.90, more preferably 0.86 or less. <28> ~ <32> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0108] <34> In the condition (Ib), the B / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.15 or less. <28> ~ <33> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0109] <35> In the condition (Ib), the C / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.001 or more. <28> ~ <34> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0110] <36> Under condition (Ib), D / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.15 or more, more preferably 0.20 or more, and less than 0.60, preferably less than 0.35, more preferably 0.30 or less. <28> ~ <35> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0111] <37> In condition (Ib), the A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more, preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, and even more preferably 0.5 or more, and 0.71 or less; the B / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and preferably 0.15 or less; The C / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.001 or more, and The D / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.15 or more, more preferably 0.20 or more, and less than 0.60, preferably less than 0.35, more preferably 0.30 or less. <28> ~ <36> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0112] <38> the condition (Ib) further includes the condition that the mass ratio of the total content of the components (A) and (B) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is 0.10 or more and 0.80 or less; <28> ~ <37> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0113] <39> The component (B) is a polyhydric alcohol and satisfies the following condition (IIa) or (IIb): <1> ~ <27> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9. <Condition (IIa)> (B) component is a polyhydric alcohol, A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.05 and equal to or less than 0.90, C / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0 and less than 0.001, and D / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.10 and less than 0.50. <Condition (IIb)> (B) component is a polyhydric alcohol, A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.05 and less than 0.40, C / (A+B+C+D) is 0.001 or more, and D / (A+B+C+D) is 0.13 or greater and less than 0.50.

[0114] <40> Under condition (IIa), B / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0.05, more preferably 0.10 or more, and preferably 0.90 or less, more preferably 0.50 or less, even more preferably 0.35 or less, and still more preferably 0.20 or less. <39> The sulfonate composition according to claim 1.

[0115] <41> In the condition (IIa), the C / (A+B+C+D) is less than 0.001. <39> or <40> The sulfonate composition according to claim 1.

[0116] <42> In the condition (IIa), the D / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.14 or more, and preferably less than 0.50, more preferably less than 0.40, even more preferably less than 0.30, and even more preferably 0.25 or less. <39> ~ <41> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0117] <43> Under condition (IIa), the A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more, preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, and even more preferably 0.5 or more, and is 0.71 or less; the B / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0.05, more preferably 0.10 or more, and preferably 0.90 or less, more preferably 0.50 or less, even more preferably 0.35 or less, and still more preferably 0.20 or less; The C / (A+B+C+D) is preferably greater than 0 and less than 0.001; and The D / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.10, preferably 0.14 or greater, and preferably less than 0.50, more preferably less than 0.40, even more preferably less than 0.30, and even more preferably 0.25 or less. <39> ~ <42> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0118] <44> the condition (IIa) further includes the condition that the mass ratio of the total content of the components (A) and (B) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is 0.40 or more, preferably 0.50 or more, and 0.95 or less, preferably 0.90 or less; <39> ~ <43> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0119] <45> The condition (IIa) further includes the condition that the mass ratio of the content of the component (D) to the total content of the components (A) and (D) is 0.17 or more and 0.90 or less, 0.17 or more and 0.65 or less, 0.17 or more and 0.55 or less, 0.17 or more and 0.45 or less, 0.17 or more and less than 0.30, or 0.17 or more and 0.27 or less. <39> ~ <44> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0120] <46> Under condition (IIb), B / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0.05, more preferably 0.10 or more, and preferably less than 0.40, more preferably 0.25 or less, and even more preferably less than 0.16. <39> ~ <45> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0121] <47> In the condition (IIb), the C / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.001 or more. <39> ~ <46> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0122] <48> Under condition (IIb), D / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.13 or more, more preferably more than 0.15, even more preferably 0.18 or more, and is preferably less than 0.50, more preferably less than 0.40, even more preferably less than 0.30, and still more preferably 0.25 or less. <39> ~ <47> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0123] <49> Under condition (IIb), the A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more, preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, and even more preferably 0.5 or more, and is 0.71 or less; the B / (A+B+C+D) is preferably more than 0.05, more preferably 0.10 or more, and preferably less than 0.40, more preferably 0.25 or less, and even more preferably less than 0.16; The C / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.001 or more, and The D / (A+B+C+D) is preferably 0.13 or more, more preferably more than 0.15, even more preferably 0.18 or more, and is preferably less than 0.50, more preferably less than 0.40, even more preferably less than 0.30, and still more preferably 0.25 or less. <39> ~ <48> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0124] <50> the condition (IIb) further includes the condition that the mass ratio of the total content of the components (A) and (B) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is 0.40 or more, preferably 0.50 or more, and 0.95 or less, preferably 0.90 or less; <39> ~ <49> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0125] <51> the condition (IIb) further includes the condition that the mass ratio of the content of the component (D) to the total content of the components (A) and (D) is 0.15 or more and 0.50 or less, 0.15 or more and 0.45 or less, 0.15 or more and 0.40 or less, 0.15 or more and 0.30 or less, or 0.15 or more and 0.25 or less; <39> ~ <50> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0126] <52> A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.3 or more. <1> ~ <51> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0127] <53> A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.4 or more, <1> ~ <52> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0128] <54> A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.5 or greater. <1> ~ <53> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0129] <55> C / (A+B+C+D) is less than 0.018. <1> ~ <54> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0130] <56> C / (A+B+C+D) is less than 0.016. <1> ~ <55> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0131] <57> D / (A+B+C+D) is 0.13 or more. <1> ~ <56> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0132] <58> The total content of the (A), (B), (C), and (D) components in the sulfonate composition is preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 95% by mass or more, even more preferably 97% by mass or more, and preferably 100% by mass or less. <1> ~ <57> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0133] <59> Among the components other than the component (D), the proportions of the components (A), (B), and (C) are preferably 95% by mass or more and preferably 100% by mass or less, or 100% by mass. <1> ~ <58> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0134] <60> (Y) Contains a compound represented by the following formula (2) [hereinafter referred to as component (Y)]: <1> ~ <59> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9. ROOC-(CH2) n -CH=CH-(CH2) m -COOR' (2) (In the formula, R and R' are independently a group selected from an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms and an alkenyl group having 10 carbon atoms. m and n are each a number of 0 to 18, and the sum of m and n is a number of 0 to 18.)

[0135] <61> In formula (2), R and R' are independently a group selected from a branched chain alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms and a branched chain alkenyl group having 10 carbon atoms, and are further preferably a branched chain alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms. <60> The sulfonate composition according to claim 1.

[0136] <62> In formula (2), R and R' are independently selected from an n-decyl group, an iso-decyl group, a 2-propylheptyl group, a 4-methyl 2-propylhexyl group, a 5-methyl 2-propylhexyl group, an n-decenyl group, and an iso-decenyl group, and further selected from a 2-propylheptyl group, a 4-methyl 2-propylhexyl group, and a 5-methyl 2-propylhexyl group; <60> or <61> The sulfonate composition according to claim 1.

[0137] <63> In formula (2), m and n are each 0. <60> ~ <62> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0138] <64> The component (Y) contains a compound in which one or both of R and R′ in formula (2) are 2-propylheptyl groups. <60> ~ <63> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0139] <65> The content of the (Y) component in the sulfonate composition is preferably 4% by mass or less, more preferably 3% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.5% by mass or less, and is greater than 0% by mass. <60> ~ <64> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0140] <66> The mass ratio Y / A of the content of the component (Y) to the content of the component (A) is preferably 0.065 or less, more preferably 0.050 or less, even more preferably 0.045 or less, still more preferably 0.040 or less, still more preferably 0.035 or less, and is preferably greater than 0, more preferably 0.0010 or more, and even more preferably 0.010 or more. <60> ~ <65> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0141] <67> the mass ratio Y / (A+B+C+D) of the content of the component (Y) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is preferably 0.045 or less, more preferably 0.040 or less, even more preferably 0.035 or less, still more preferably 0.030 or less, still more preferably 0.020 or less, and is preferably greater than 0, more preferably 0.0007 or more, and even more preferably 0.0070 or more; <60> ~ <66> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0142] <68> the mass ratio (A+Y) / (A+B+C+D) of the total content of the component (A) and the component (Y) to the total content of the component (A), the component (B), the component (C), and the component (D) is preferably 0.05 or more, preferably more than 0.60, and preferably less than 0.75, more preferably 0.73 or less; <60> ~ <67> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0143] <69> the total content of the (A) component and the (Y) component in the sulfonate composition is 30% by mass or more, further 40% by mass or more, further 50% by mass or more, further 60% by mass or more, and 74% by mass or less, further 73% by mass or less, further 72.5% by mass or less, further 72% by mass or less, further 71% by mass or less, further 70.5% by mass or less, further 70% by mass or less, further 69% by mass or less, further 68.5% by mass or less, further 68% by mass or less, further 66% by mass or less; <60> ~ <68> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0144] <70> The composition contains a (Y) component, the (B) component is a monohydric alcohol and further contains ethanol, the total content of the (A) component and the (Y) component in the composition is preferably 30% by mass or more and less than 75% by mass, and the content of the (Y) component is preferably 4.0% by mass or less. <60> ~ <69> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0145] <71> The composition contains a (Y) component, the (B) component is a polyhydric alcohol and further propylene glycol, the total content of the (A) component and the (Y) component in the composition is preferably 30% by mass or more and less than 75% by mass, and the content of the (Y) component is preferably 4% by mass or less. <60> ~ <69> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0146] <72> The composition contains a component (Y), and the proportions of the components (A), (B), (C) and (Y) among the components other than the component (D) are preferably 95% by mass or more and preferably 100% by mass or less, or 100% by mass. <60> ~ <71> 10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0147] Example The content of each component in the reaction products of the following Production Examples and compositions of the Examples was determined by the following method. (I) Content of sodium sulfosuccinate (mass%) The results were obtained in accordance with the synthetic detergent test method JIS K 3362. (II) Maleic acid diester content (mass%) The maleic acid diester was determined quantitatively by gas chromatography. (III) Ethanol content (mass%) Ethanol was determined quantitatively by gas chromatography. (IV) Propylene glycol content (mass%) Propylene glycol was determined by gas chromatography. (V) Water content (mass%) The moisture content was determined in accordance with JIS K 0068, a method for testing the moisture content of chemical products. (VI) Sodium sulfate content (mass%) The amount of sodium sulfate was determined using an automatic potentiometric titrator manufactured by Kyoto Electronics Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (VII) Sodium sulfite content (mass%) Sodium sulfite was quantified using "ICS-2100" manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific Co., Ltd.

[0148] <Production Example 1> A maleic acid diester was obtained according to Example 2 of US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0214999. Next, the maleic acid diester (100 parts by mass), sodium disulfite (26.4 parts by mass), ion-exchanged water (17.3 parts by mass), and ethanol (35.5 parts by mass) were charged into a 1-L glass reaction vessel and reacted at 115°C by a known method. The mixture was cooled to below 60°C, and the remaining sodium hydrogen sulfite was oxidized with 30% hydrogen peroxide. The pH was then adjusted to 5 with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide. The solvent and sodium sulfate were then removed by filtration, distillation under reduced pressure, freeze-drying, and other methods, yielding a reaction product containing sodium sulfosuccinate. This reaction product had a sodium sulfosuccinate content of 96.4% by mass, a maleic acid diester content of 1.5% by mass, a loss on drying of 1.2% by mass, and a sodium sulfate content of 0.07% by mass. The sodium sulfosuccinate contained in this reaction product was a compound of formula (1) in which M was a sodium ion, p and q were each 0, and R and R' were each 2-propylheptyl groups (hereinafter referred to as sulfosuccinate Na(1)).The maleic acid diester contained in this reaction product was a compound of formula (2) in which m and n were each 0, and R and R' were each 2-propylheptyl groups.

[0149] <Production Example 2> A maleic acid diester was obtained according to Example 2 of US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0214999. Next, according to Production Example 2 of JP 2002-224552 A, sulfosuccinate Na (2) was obtained by omitting the alkylene oxide adduct (E-1) in Production Example 2 and replacing the diester with the maleic acid diester. The sulfonation reaction time was adjusted to obtain reaction products with different amounts of residual sodium sulfate and sodium sulfite. The sodium sulfosuccinate contained in this reaction product was a compound of formula (1) in which M was a sodium ion, p and q were each 0, and R and R' were each a 2-propylheptyl group (hereinafter referred to as sulfosuccinate Na (2)).

[0150] <Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2> (1) Sulfonate composition The reaction products obtained in Production Examples 1 and 2 were mixed with water to prepare sulfonate compositions having the compositions shown in Tables 1 to 5. The following components were added as necessary to adjust the content. The reaction product produced in Production Example 1 was blended with a composition obtained by drying the reaction product. The reaction product produced in Production Example 2 was blended as is. Ethanol: Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., special grade reagent Propylene glycol: Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., special grade reagent Sodium sulfate: Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., special grade reagent

[0151] (2) Evaluation (2-1) Evaluation of uniformity 30 g of each sulfonate composition was placed in a sealed glass container (50 cc capacity), sealed, and then allowed to stand for 24 hours in a thermostatic chamber maintained at a constant temperature (25°C, 35°C, 40°C, 60°C). The appearance and fluidity of the sample were then observed. The results are shown in the table.

[0152] (2-2) Evaluation of freeze recovery 30 g of each sulfonate composition was placed in a sealed glass container (50 cc capacity), sealed, and stored in a freezer at 0°C or below for 24 hours (to completely solidify). After confirming that the composition had become liquid, the sample was placed in a thermostatic chamber maintained at a constant temperature of 40°C and left for 2 hours, after which the appearance of the sample was observed. The results are shown in the table.

[0153] [Table 1]

[0154] [Table 2]

[0155] [Table 3]

[0156] [Table 4]

[0157] [Table 5]

Claims

1. A sulfonate composition comprising: (A) a compound represented by the following formula (1) [hereinafter referred to as component (A)], (B) one or more organic solvents selected from ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, propylene glycol, glycerin, and diethylene glycol [hereinafter referred to as component (B)], (C) one or more inorganic metal compounds selected from sodium sulfate and sodium sulfite [hereinafter referred to as component (C)], (D) water [hereinafter referred to as component (D)], and (Y) a compound represented by the following formula (2) [hereinafter referred to as component (Y)], the mass ratio of the content of the component (A) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as A / (A+B+C+D)] is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, the mass ratio of the content of the component (B) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as B / (A+B+C+D)] is 0.05 or more and 0.90 or less, the mass ratio of the content of the component (C) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as C / (A+B+C+D)] is greater than 0 and not greater than 0.0101; the mass ratio of the content of the component (D) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as D / (A+B+C+D)] is 0.05 or more and less than 0.60, the mass ratio of the content of the component (Y) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) [hereinafter referred to as Y / (A+B+C+D)] is greater than 0 and not greater than 0.021; Among the components other than the component (D), the proportions of the components (A), (B), (C), and (Y) are 95 mass% or more; Sulfonate compositions. ROOC-(CH ２ ) ｐ -CH(SO ３ M)-CH ２ -(CH ２ ) ｑ -COOR’ (1) (In the formula, M is a cation, R and R′ are 2-propylheptyl groups, and p and q are each 0.) ROOC-(CH 2 ) n -CH=CH-(CH 2 ) m -COOR' (2) (In the formula, R and R′ are 2-propylheptyl groups, and n and m are each 0.)

2. The sulfonate composition according to claim 1, wherein component (B) is one or more monohydric alcohols selected from ethanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol, and satisfies the following condition (Ia) or (Ib): <Condition (Ia)> A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is more than 0.05 and 0.90 or less, C / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0 and less than 0.001; and D / (A+B+C+D) is more than 0.10 and 0.50 or less. <Condition (Ib)> A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.90 or less, C / (A+B+C+D) is 0.001 or more and 0.0101 or less, and D / (A+B+C+D) is 0.15 or more and less than 0.

60.

3. 3. The sulfonate composition according to claim 2, wherein the condition (Ia) further includes the condition that the mass ratio of the total content of the components (A) and (B) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is more than 0.10 and less than 0.

90.

4. 4. The sulfonate composition according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the condition (Ib) further includes the condition that the mass ratio of the total content of the components (A) and (B) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is 0.10 or more and 0.80 or less.

5. 2. The sulfonate composition according to claim 1, wherein component (B) is one or more polyhydric alcohols selected from propylene glycol, glycerin, and diethylene glycol, and satisfies the following condition (IIa) or (IIb): <Condition (IIa)> A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is more than 0.05 and 0.90 or less, C / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0 and less than 0.001; and D / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.10 and less than 0.

50. <Condition (IIb)> A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.05 or more and 0.71 or less, B / (A+B+C+D) is greater than 0.05 and less than 0.40; C / (A+B+C+D) is 0.001 or more and 0.0101 or less, and D / (A+B+C+D) is 0.13 or more and less than 0.

50.

6. 6. The sulfonate composition according to claim 5, wherein the condition (IIa) further includes the condition that the mass ratio of the total content of the components (A) and (B) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is 0.40 or more and 0.95 or less.

7. 7. The sulfonate composition according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the condition (IIb) further includes the condition that the mass ratio of the total content of the components (A) and (B) to the total content of the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) is 0.40 or more and 0.95 or less.

8. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.3 or more.

9. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.4 or more.

10. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein A / (A+B+C+D) is 0.5 or more.

11. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, excluding claim 2 and claims that cite claim 2, wherein D / (A+B+C+D) is 0.13 or more.

12. The sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the mass ratio C / A of the content of the component (C) to the content of the component (A) is 0.020 or less.

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